Mother of the Year - No Way!

I'd like to nominate myself for the 2011 Mother of the Year Award- especially after the stellar mothering example I set today.  It all started when I took my youngest to the doctor after high fevers for 5 days.  First, the nurse took his oxygen sats, which were in the 80's (normal is close to 100), and shook her head sadly.  Then, she asked if my children had received flu shots to which I embarrassingly replied, "not yet".  After my response she looked at me reproachfully and asked, "You're a pharmacist, right?". 

After that, the doctor came in to examine my son.  She barely held the otoscope to his ear before exclaiming, "Oh wow! What an infection!".  She then moved on to his lungs and stated mournfully, "Poor little guy, he's not moving any air".  I think the real question she wanted to ask was, "Why didn't you bring him in sooner?". 

After the initial examination she exited the room so that her nurse could try an albuterol nebulizer to open up my son's lungs.  While she was gone, my older two kids distributed the toys and books around the room so artfully that both she and her nurse almost tripped the next time they came in the room.  That earned me a few "control them please", looks.  Lastly I sealed my title as mother of the year when my older son was hysterical at the thought of getting his flu shot.  He was screaming so loud (before she even brought in the shot), and flailing so forcefully that the entire office could hear and my legs and arms were bruised.  I tried everything I could to get him to calm down - nothing worked so I spanked him.  I couldn't get his attention any other way!  The spanking worked so I threatened to do it again if he didn't cooperate with the nurse.  Great - now in addition to fearing shots, he's going to be scared of getting in trouble! 

So at that point, I had neglected to bring my son in to the doctor in time to prevent the icky sickness he had, almost enabled a few broken ankles by not controlling my kids, and spanked my 4 year old for being scared....and you wonder why I think I deserve an award?

All's well that ends well.  I left the pediatrician's office 3 hours later with a prescription for amoxicillin, a toddler with normal oxygen sats, and 2 kids who received their flu shots.  I even was able to make it to my BSF Bible study this evening (which was much needed!).  As for that mother of the year award, I prefer platinum and can send you the address to which it can be mailed....Ha!  ;)